ORLANDO, Fla. – The peak of hurricane season is here and right on cue, the Atlantic basin is staying active.

Hurricane Gabrielle continues to strengthen near Bermuda, and two other tropical waves are also being monitored for possible development in the coming days.

Hurricane Gabrielle

Hurricane Gabrielle remains a strong Category 1 hurricane in the central Atlantic, located several hundred miles southeast of Bermuda.

Satellite images show strong thunderstorms wrapping around the center of the hurricane, with signs that it could be potentially strengthening.

Recent satellite intensity estimates put Gabrielle’s winds near 90 mph, and it’s expected to become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Monday evening. The hurricane is currently moving north-northwest, but it will soon begin turn more northerly into the cooler North Atlantic.

While there are no direct impacts expected for Florida or the U.S. East Coast, long-swells associated with Gabrielle will keep a high risk of rip currents along the east coast beaches.

Other Areas to Watch

1. Central Tropical Atlantic

A tropical wave located in the central Atlantic is producing limited showers and storms for now as dry air lingers. However, as the system continues moving west-northwest, the environment is expected to become more favorable for development during the second half of the week.

• Chance of development over the next 2 days: Low (10%)

• Chance of development over the next 7 days: Medium (60%)

If this system continues to organize, it could become a tropical depression by late week, but it’s far out over open water for now and poses no immediate threat to land.

2. East of the Windward Islands

Another tropical wave, located well east of the Lesser Antilles, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. This system is moving quickly west-northwest, and while conditions aren’t especially favorable right now, some slow development is possible later in the week as it nears the Caribbean.

Regardless of development, gusty winds and rainfall are expected to affect parts of the Leeward Islands late tonight into Tuesday.

• Chance of development over the next 2 days: Low (10%)

• Chance of development over the next 7 days: Low (30%)